Staggering statistics put child abuse, neglect in spotlight Published April 1, 2010 By Debbie Aragon 55th Wing Public Affairs OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. -- "If we don't stand up for children, then we don't stand for much," is just one quote by Marian Wright Edelman, founder of the Children's Defense Fund, an organization set up as a voice for poor, minority and disabled children. People would be hard pressed to find another quote more relevant when it comes to the issue of child abuse and neglect in American society considering an estimated 790,000 children fall victim to abuse or neglect each year, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The organization also notes about five children die as a result of abuse or neglect every day. Today, two-thirds of America's youth deal with at least one major childhood trauma such as physical or sexual abuse, emotional or physical neglect, or some type of household dysfunction such as domestic violence, substance abuse, separation or divorce, parents in jail or mental illness, according to the DHHS. How do these staggering statistics impact American society as a whole? Aside from shattered lives and lost potential, several studies conducted in 2007 estimate the annual cost of child abuse and neglect to be more than $100 billion. This includes the direct costs of hospitalization, mental health care, child welfare services and law enforcement. With such a high cost to society, why are many people hesitant to report abuse or neglect when they see it? "It's been my experience that a lot of people think they need to determine whether or not what they are witnessing is abuse and don't want the job of judge and jury," said Dale Sundermann, outreach manager with the 55th Medical Group's Family Advocacy Program "Most are unaware that we aren't expected to know or make a decision but to simply report," he said. About half of all referrals received by Offutt's Family Advocacy Program don't meet the criteria of abuse or neglect, he said, but in all of those cases, "education was provided, and in many cases, much needed services to enhance the family unit, as well as individual relationships were received." Recognizing the need for public awareness and action on the issue of child neglect and abuse, the first federal child protection legislation was adopted in 1974. And, since 1981, April has been proclaimed as National Child Abuse Prevention Month to increase child abuse and neglect awareness. Today, the Children's Bureau, Administration for Children and Families, part of the DHHS, is charged with supporting communities by providing programs and services to protect children and strengthen families. According to the DHHS, signs that may signal child abuse or neglect include: In the child - he or she exhibits sudden changes in behavior or school performance, hasn't received help for physical or medical problems brought to the attention of parents, has learning problems or difficulty concentrating that can't be attributed to specific physical or psychological causes, is always watchful as though he or she is waiting for something bad to happen, is overly compliant, passive or withdrawn, goes to school or other activities early, stays late or doesn't want to go home. In the parent - he or she shows little concern for the child, denies the existence of, or blames the child for problems in school or at home, asks teachers or other caretakers to use harsh physical discipline if the child misbehaves, sees the child as entirely bad, worthless or burdensome, demands a level of physical or academic performance the child can't achieve or looks primarily to the child for care, attention and satisfaction of emotional needs. In both the parent and the child - they rarely touch or look at each other, consider their relationship entirely negative or say they don't like each other. Since children "don't come with owner's manuals," many parents may find themselves feeling overwhelmed, according to Mr. Sundermann. "The dirty little secret about child psychology is we don't know why children do what they do, but we do have many good theories that work in most situations most of the time." he said. According to Mr. Sundermann, it isn't uncommon for a parent to feel frustration or anger at a child. "Who doesn't feel frustrated or angry? I think that's fairly common," he said. "The challenge isn't to never feel frustrated or angry ... the challenge is how am I going to handle it?" To help, the outreach manager recommends people become students. "If a person is interested in being a good parent, become a student of good parenting ... pick up the books and attend the classes," he said. One example, he noted, is the New Parent Support Program that offers home visits with community health nurses to provide education and support that can be started anytime during pregnancy or adoption, or after the baby arrives and may continue as needed until a child is 3. Offutt's Family Advocacy Office also offers a parent university, a half day of workshops for parents, grandparents, childcare providers, educators or others who want to learn more about child rearing skills, positive interaction and personal wellness. The next Parent U is set for April 17 (call 294-7886 for more information on this program or to register). Many people buy parenting books, Mr. Sundermann said, but the problem is they never read them completely and then those who do don't put into practice the practical information in them. "Amazingly (the common response I get from people is) I got that book and it didn't work or I went to the class and it didn't work," Mr. Sundermann said. "The class and book aren't intended to take the action, we are. "Become a student of your interest and take action," he emphasized. In addition to the previous classes noted, Mr. Sundermann said many other resources are available to Offutt families. Offutt's Airman and Family Readiness Center has "many great programs and offerings," he said, like the Parents as Teachers program and Mothers to Mothers sponsored by the chapel. Parents can also turn to local school systems which have "great programs and Omaha is home to Boys Town and one of the nation's most widely used parenting methods, Common Sense Parenting," he added. In addition to local and regional resources, the DHHS Web site, www.childwelfare.gov, offers a wealth of information on strengthening families, including factsheets on topics such as "Bonding With Your Baby," "Dealing with Temper Tantrums," "Connecting With Your Teen," "Teen Parents ... You're Not Alone" and "Raising Your Grandchildren." In addition to her earlier quotation, Ms. Edelman has said, "If we think we have ours and don't owe any time or money or effort to help those left behind, then we are a part of the problem rather than the solution to the fraying social fabric that threatens all Americans."